Member

Finally, I turn to Amendment 49A in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Barker. The amendment intends to allow non-medic approved clinicians, such as nurses, psychotherapists, social workers and occupational therapists, to be automatically approved to provide the medical recommendations needed under Section 12 to detain someone or receive them into guardianship under certain provisions of the Act. First, let me put on record my thanks for, and recognition of, the increasingly important role that non-medic approved clinicians play in the operation of the Mental Health Act. Psychologists, nurses, OTs and social workers bring a wealth of expertise and alternative professional perspectives that strengthen the role of approved clinicians as a whole. They will continue to play a vital role in the implementation of the reforms set out in the Mental Health Bill. However, it is important to recognise the distinction between the role of an approved clinician once a patient is detained and the purpose of the “medical recommendation” at the point of detention, as set out in Section 12, which is, as noble Lords will be aware, mainly about the medical recommendation required for initial detention. At this point, it is sometimes not known whether a patient has a mental health condition. There may be other medical reasons why a patient is presenting in a way that has triggered a Mental Health Act assessment.